Surf Lesson at Main Beach: Learn to Ride in 2 Hours

Stand up on the board and ride the wave back to shore

A two-hour surf lesson at Main Beach in Surfers Paradise teaches you to catch and ride waves with a live instructor, one-on-one attention in small groups, and all equipment provided. No swimming ability required. The lesson location is chosen for safety. Arrive in swimmers, complete the medical form before you come, and plan to be on the beach within ten minutes of your start time so the class doesn't leave without you.

The experience

Main Beach is where Get Wet's The Surf Shack runs lessons for anyone 14 and up, regardless of fitness level or prior experience. The shack sits behind the Seaway Cafe: walk down between the cafe and the amenities block and in through the back gate. When you arrive, you'll check in and get your equipment before the group heads down to the beach together. The instructors run through safety and technique on the sand, then you're in the water learning to pop up and ride.

The lesson keeps groups small, one instructor per five students, which is how the school maintains its safety record. The instructors will try to photograph you during the session, though they won't compromise your safety for a shot, so follow their cues if you want good pictures. After you come back in, you'll view the photos at the shack, collect your high fives, and leave with the gear still damp and a grin that lasts the rest of the day.

All equipment is included: board, wetsuit, and anything else you need to stay warm and float. Fresh water showers, change rooms and safe storage for your belongings are available at the shack. Parking is free all day. Bring your own swimwear and leave valuables at your accommodation. The beach is not the place for a phone or wallet.

What’s included

• All surfing equipment for the lesson.
• fresh water outdoor showers and change rooms.
• safe storage for your belongings during the class.
• free all-day parking at the location.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:00Last departure this season: 1 Jan 2027

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (17 to 80 years) · Youth (14 to 16 years) · Under 14: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 20

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomeNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Get Wet Surf School

Is this one for you?The shack is behind the Seaway Cafe at Main Beach, a short walk from the parking area: no car rental or ride-share needed if you're staying nearby in Surfers Paradise. The two-hour window fits between a morning arrival and an afternoon activity, and the fixed start time means you can plan the rest of your day around it.

Traveler reviews

4.80★★★★★★★★★★

88 verified traveler reviews

5 ★78

4 ★7

3 ★0

2 ★1

1 ★2

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (14 to 16 years). Under 14: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do I need to bring and what should I leave behind?

Bring your swimwear. Everything else (board, wetsuit, all safety gear) is provided. Leave valuables at your hotel or accommodation, as the beach is not secure for phones, wallets or jewelry.

How much instruction do I actually get with five people and one instructor?

The one-to-five ratio is the standard at this school, and it's what keeps the lesson safe and lets the instructor watch each person's technique. You're not in a crowd of twenty. You're in a small group where the instructor can see what you're doing and correct it.

What if I arrive late? Can I still join in?

If you arrive more than ten minutes past your start time, the class will have already gone down to the beach and won't be able to wait. Equipment is handed out before the group leaves, so late arrivals can't join that session. Arrive on time so you don't miss your lesson.

Do I need to be able to swim or be in great shape?

No swimming ability is required. The lesson location is chosen for safety and shallow water. Moderate fitness is recommended, but the lesson is designed for all levels. Children as young as 14 can join the group lesson.

What happens with the photos taken during the lesson?

The instructors photograph you during the session and you view them at the shack afterward. The photos are not included on a USB drive or digital file. You'll see them on the day and can take your own photos of the screen if you want to keep them.